Religious Row Over Candles & Fire Safety Rules

According to the BBC, Aberystwyth University’s refusal to allow the use of candles on its premises has led Orthodox Jews to take their business elsewhere. Hundreds from the Jewish Community have holidayed in the Welsh town every summer, for the last 20 years, renting about 120 houses from the University.

Flaming row
But this summer, the group will be vacationing elsewhere after negotiations broke down over the use of candles. The University, it seems, is insisting that candles may not be used in the houses on safety grounds, while the group says that lighting candles is an intrinsic part of their religion.

In a statement published on BBC News, the University said:

The use of candles/naked flames in all university residences is prohibited. This is clearly set out in the terms and conditions which visiting groups are required to sign and abide by during their stay. Unfortunately, last year there was more than one incident involving lit candles with this visiting group.

The accommodation provider has not elaborated on the nature of the incidents, but the statement would imply that there were some close calls. Maybe they’re not being as unreasonable as it might first appear?

T&Cs
The statement goes on to say:

During negotiations regarding a proposed visit this year the university was asked to remove the parts of the terms and conditions which referred to flames being lit in accommodation and a suggestion was made by the group that covered flames might be more acceptable to the university. In reaching its decision not to allow candles to be lit in rooms the university has taken legal and health and safety advice and been in dialogue with the fire service. It has also undertaken its own risk assessment based on the local context and previous incidents.

A spokeswoman for the organizers of the Jewish group explained that lighting candles on a Friday evening was part of their religion, and that being asked not to light them “is like asking us not to breathe”.

The spokesperson added that “it’s in our interests to be safe”.

Standing their ground
The annual trip of hundreds of people from the North London Orthodox Jewish community would be a welcome boost to the University’s income, with student accommodation being otherwise left unoccupied during the summer months.

It’s somewhat admirable that the University is prepared, even in times of austerity, to stick to their principles and take a risk-based decision. It’s always frustrating when safety becomes a reason not to do something, and it would appear that the University felt this too, by attempting to meet the group part way with their suggestion of alternative candles.

Regardless of the efforts behind the scenes, it’s frustrating that once again, members of our profession appear to be the spoilers of other people’s enjoyment.

It’s a bit like Christmas — woe betide the fire safety adviser who decides to ban natural Christmas trees from the building (known to reach 1000 Celsius within three seconds of catching fire). In my own experience, raising the matter any later than August will put you in the “jobsworth” category. So, here’s a timely reminder to start planning for the festive season now!

2023 Fire Safety eBook – Grab your free copy!

Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.

Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.

Get your copy today!